Gbarnga, Bong County — In a spirited display of unity and cultural pride, hundreds of Kpelleh and Kpelleh-speaking Liberians gathered Saturday at the Gbarnga City Hall to launch the National Association of the Kpelleh and Kpelleh-Speaking People. The gathering marked a significant step toward strengthening solidarity, preserving cultural identity and fostering national development.
Held under the theme "A Call to Unity: For Our People, Our Legacy, Our Future," the event drew prominent sons and daughters of Bong County, including traditional leaders, political figures, youth, and women's groups. The occasion was a rallying point for Liberia's largest ethnic group to embrace oneness and mobilize for collective impact.
Yallah Declares Unified Front
Former Bong County Sen. Henry W. Yallah, who now serves as acting chair of the association's board of directors, delivered the keynote address and formally declared the establishment of the national association.
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"Today is not just another meeting--it is a defining moment for our people," Yallah said. "We are stronger together. There is no more Guinea Kpelleh, Margibi Kpelleh, Bopolu Kpelleh, or Lofa Kpelleh. Henceforth, we are all Liberian Kpelleh."
Yallah announced that the third Saturday of May will now be observed annually as National Kpelleh Unification Day. In an emotional appeal, he urged Kpelleh citizens to move past historical grievances, calling instead for reconciliation rooted in shared purpose.
"Unity does not mean silence in the face of injustice," he said. "It means standing together in strength."
Taylor, Moye Call for Development and Inclusion
Former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor, a native of Bong County, also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the need to transcend political and personal divides for the betterment of the community.
"It's time we unite for the development of our people," Taylor said. "We must establish one unified institution and encourage all Kpelleh citizens to contribute--financially and intellectually--to the growth of this nation."
Sen. Prince Moye of Bong County described the initiative as both timely and necessary.
"This is a good thing," Moye said. "We may have political differences, but we remain one body as a people."
He called on fellow Kpelleh citizens to harness their influence to help shape national policy and spur inclusive development.
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A Cultural Turning Point
The launch of the association was hailed by many as a milestone in the cultural and political awakening of the Kpelleh-speaking population. Organizers said the initiative aims to serve as a long-overdue platform for collaboration in education, economic empowerment, cultural preservation, and civic engagement.
"This gathering is history in the making," said former Sen. Franklin Sackor during the closing session. "Our story does not end here--it begins anew today."
Attendees expressed optimism that the association will pave the way for increased visibility and meaningful participation of Kpelleh-speaking people in Liberia's national affairs.
